This is the way Auburn's NCAA investigation ends: Not with a bang but a whimper
Oct 13, 2011
The NCAA completed its investigation of Cam Newton, clearing Auburn of of pay-for-play allegations. The entire statement from the NCAA:
After conducting more than 80 interviews, the NCAA has concluded its investigation into Auburn University. The NCAA enforcement staff is committed to a fair and thorough investigative process. As such, any allegations of major rules violations must meet a burden of proof, which is a higher standard than rampant public speculation online and in the media. The allegations must be based on credible and persuasive information and includes a good-faith belief that the Committee on Infractions could make a finding. As with any case, should the enforcement staff become aware of additional credible information, it will review the information to determine whether further investigation is warranted.
In other words, the NCAA couldn't find the smoking gun. But hey, they're all ears if you have additional information.
It's common knowledge at this point that Newton’s father, Cecil Newton, attempted to solicit a large sum of money from Mississippi State. That triggered the NCAA to rule him ineligible before the SEC Championship game, only to clear him days later. The rest is history and now Newton is leading the way for a 1-4 Carolina Panthers team.
"Yes We Cam" -- well, all of us can with the exception of the NCAA. They can't. Their enforcement crew couldn't gather enough evidence because nobody wanted to cooperate. Oh sure, four former Auburn players told HBO in March that they received payments from the school. Unfortunately for those looking to stick it to Cam, only one of the players felt like talking to the NCAA. And as we all know by now, the NCAA has lacks the power of subpoena.
Auburn coaches are well within their rights to say "scoreboard" any time others attempt to negatively recruit against the Tigers with the Newton saga, but you're fundamentally not very bright if you believe this will change public opinion. It won't, and it shouldn't, because most of us are smarter than that.
The lesson? Always pay cash and make sure anyone thinking about snitching will be getting some stitching. Props to Auburn, they keep their game tight.
Most Recent Comments
RE: This is the way Auburn's NCAA investigation ends: Not with a bang but a whimper
People have assumed that the world was flat, and the sun revolved about the earth.Other examples of how assuming makes you look bad, in history's eye.
Posted Oct 14, 3:28 p.m.
Rank: Sports Legend Posts: 32719
Joined: Jan, 2008
Location: Raleigh, NC
RE: This is the way Auburn's NCAA investigation ends: Not with a bang but a whimper
Newton himself has admitted that he did not play elsewhere because "the money wasn't right". So there is really no doubt that Auburn is guilty.- Posted by Spartacus
And there are still 2 years to go. I agree, that title will be vacated within the 3 years that Joe predicted.
THIS is why the NCAA should be shut down.
But to make that conclusion, one has to ASSUME that means the money WAS right at Auburn.
I'm sure that's the correct assumption.
But it isn't proof.
RE: This is the way Auburn's NCAA investigation ends: Not with a bang but a whimper
Spatacus - The NCAA, the only opinion that matters, differs with you. They believe that there was not any major rules violations.The opinion you have is just a part of the rampant public speculation, and in the opinion of NCAA, the one that matters, does not must meet the burden of proof, which is held to a higher standard.
Go ahead, and continue to try to sell your opinion. I'm not buying, and most importantly, neither is the NCAA.
Posted Oct 13, 11:42 p.m.
Rank: Bench Warmer Posts: 34
Joined: Jul, 2007
Location: Wake Forest, NC
RE: This is the way Auburn's NCAA investigation ends: Not with a bang but a whimper
Newton himself has admitted that he did not play elsewhere because "the money wasn't right". So there is really no doubt that Auburn is guilty.And there are still 2 years to go. I agree, that title will be vacated within the 3 years that Joe predicted.
THIS is why the NCAA should be shut down.
RE: This is the way Auburn's NCAA investigation ends: Not with a bang but a whimper
Hmmm.... there might be a tad bit of a diffference between a school that has been caught red handed (like UNC, USC, OU)... and the media-stirred assumed-guilt situation that AU is in.And, just to contunue to educate TBK, AU has denied the charge from day one, with a straight face.
